Vehicle Communications Module

ABSTRACT

A self-contained antenna module for attachment to a vehicle exterior, includes a connector for attaching to an existing wired feed connector to an entertainment head unit, a cellular communications module, e.g. a 3G/4G module configured to provide a local wireless internet access point, and a renewable energy source for generating independently of the vehicle&#39;s own power source electrical energy for charging an on-board battery which provides power to the cellular communications module.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a vehicular communications module forproviding a wireless Internet data connection for use within thevehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The provision of a wireless internet service in vehicles is currentlyvery limited to high-end providers, but is likely to increase in thecoming years.

The current technology requires the provision of a 3G/4G modem/routerwith associated antenna mounted on the vehicle's roof and usuallycombined with a radio and GPS receiver. The modem/router, and othercomponents, requires power which is drawn directly from the vehicle'spower loom from the battery which passes via a wire to the vehicle'sroof.

This means that there is currently no straightforward way to retro-fit awireless communications module onto a car. The fact that power is drawnfrom the battery may limit the life of the battery over time and thereis the potential for a flat battery if the wireless communicationsmodule is overused. It may also have a long-term effect on theenvironment.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A first aspect of the invention provides a vehicle communications modulecomprised of a connector for attaching the module to an external part ofthe vehicle, a cellular communications module for providing wirelessInternet data connectivity, e.g. using 3G/4G, and a renewable energysource configured to provide power to the cellular communications modulewhen mounted to the vehicle exterior.

The connector may be configured to be attached to the existing aerialconnector on a vehicle exterior.

The renewable energy source may be a wind turbine and/or a solar cell.The renewable energy unit may be a wind power harvester. A harvestingenergy unit can harvest solar and kinetic energy and covert toelectrical energy. The powering may be by means of a battery whichstores the energy from the renewable energy unit and powers thereceiver, communications module and transmitter when required, at alater point in time.

The cellular communications module may be configured to be initiatedautomatically upon detecting a predetermined signal issued by thevehicle over a wireless channel.

The module may further comprise a non-cellular wireless communicationsmodule, e.g. a Bluetooth module, for communicating with a remoteterminal.

The module may further comprise a digital radio receiver, e.g. a DABreceiver connected to an onboard antenna for receiving and decodingdigital radio channels, e.g. DAB channels, and for transmitting saidchannels using an analogue, e.g. FM, frequency down a wired feed to thevehicle's internal head unit. In the context of this specification,digital radio means any form of digitally modulated radio including butnot limited to DAB, DAB+ and satellite radio.

A second aspect provides a self-contained antenna module for attachmentto a vehicle exterior, comprising a connector for attaching to anexisting wired feed connector to an entertainment head unit, a cellularcommunications module, e.g. a 3G/4G module configured to provide a localwireless internet access point, and a renewable energy source forgenerating independently of the vehicle's own power source electricalenergy for charging an on-board battery which provides power to thecellular communications module.

A third aspect provides a method of providing wireless internet on-boarda vehicle, comprising: removing an existing aerial from a connector onthe exterior of the vehicle; and connecting the module of any precedingdefinition to the exterior connector.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described by way of non-limiting example withreference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1(a) is a schematic diagram of a DAB receiver unit which includes acellular Internet module according to the invention, provided as part ofa car aerial unit, shown in relation to existing car audioinfrastructure;

FIG. 1(b) shows front and side views of an alternative DAB receiver andcellular Internet unit according to the invention;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of functional components of the DAB receiverunit in FIG. 1 or FIG. 2;

FIG. 3 is a flow diagram showing processing steps performed by the DABreceiver unit in FIG. 1 or FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a flow diagram showing processing steps in an alternativesetup performed by the DAB receiver unit in FIG. 1 or FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of functional components of the DAB receiverunit in FIG. 1 or FIG. 2 in a second embodiment,

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of DAB to FM frequency preset assignments,which is useful for understanding the operation of a second embodiment;

FIG. 7 shows views of an example intermediate module for mounting on avehicle exterior;

FIG. 8 shows views of a further example intermediate module for mountingon a vehicle exterior;

FIG. 9 shows the FIG. 8 module connected to a base unit and with anantenna connected to the top;

FIG. 10 shows views of a further example module for mounting on avehicle exterior;

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the FIG. 10 module; and

FIG. 12 is a block diagram of a further embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)

Embodiments described below relate to aerial units which can beretro-fitted to a vehicle's exterior and which include a cellularcommunications module providing wireless Internet connectivity. Theunits have an on-board renewable power generator in the form of a windturbine, which delivers charging current to an on-board battery as thevehicle travels. The battery powers the cellular communications module,thereby offering a neat solution to providing wireless Internet accesson virtually any vehicle. Although not essential to the invention, theembodiments also provide a DAB receiving capability to provide acombined solution and hence are introduced as “DAB receiver units”.

A first embodiment comprises a DAB receiver unit provided in the form ofa self-contained aerial unit that comprises the functionality to scan,receive and indicate to a remote device (e.g. a head unit) both DAB andFM channels receivable through an on-board antenna which may beintegrally attached or which may be detachable. Upon receiving selectionof a channel from the remote device, the aerial unit transmits thechannel (after decoding in the case of DAB) down the existing FM feed tothe vehicle's head unit. This is done over an available FM frequency.The DAB receiver unit is designed to connect to the external antennaconnector, commonly found on the roof of a vehicle, which connector isconnected via a wired feed to the vehicle's head end. This aerial unitin use replaces, or works with the existing, standard FM whip or fintype aerial fitted to vehicle exteriors. Attachment is by means of athreaded bolt that screws within the standard roof socket, for examplethe universally-used 4.5 mm socket. This socket has an existing wiredconnection to the FM input of the vehicle's head unit which handlesanalogue FM channel selection, channel display, and output to thespeakers.

Further, the aerial unit comprises a cellular communications module, inthis case a 3G/4G communications unit, which provides wireless access tothe Internet.

Further still, the aerial unit comprises a renewable energy source, forexample one or both of a wind turbine or solar cell(s) that convertskinetic/solar energy to electrical energy which is stored within aninternal rechargeable (e.g. lithium) battery of the aerial unit forpowering its internal electronics, including the cellular communicationsmodule. In the case of a wind turbine, the travel of the vehicle willgenerate sufficient energy for an estimated 10 to 12 hours of continualusage when the vehicle is subsequently stationary.

A second embodiment is also described later on, in which a similarretro-fit aerial unit is provided, having a memory for storing aplurality of preset analogue frequencies, e.g. FM frequencies, assignedto each of which is a DAB radio station set by a user. In addition, asback-up, the FM frequency or frequency range that corresponds to thesame radio station as each DAB station can also be stored. This is sothat should the DAB signal fail, the same radio station can be sent inits FM form down the respective present FM frequency in hopefully aseamless manner. The assignment can be performed using an externalcomputer program or application. The aerial unit may connect to a PC orsimilar computing device running the computer program through a wiredconnection, e.g. a USB or micro-USB connector, or over a wirelessconnection, e.g. a WiFi connection to a home network. The wiredconnection can enable charging of the unit. The aerial unit in thisembodiment simultaneously transmits down the wired feed to the head uniteach of the decoded DAB stations on their respective assigned frequency.At the head unit, therefore, the user can scan the FM spectrum to one ofthe assigned frequencies at which point the corresponding DAB station isoutput. In practise, the user may save the assigned frequencies to thehead units preset buttons, as commonly provided.

This embodiment does not therefore require a remote device, e.g. aBluetooth device, to select a DAB station from within the vehicle, asthese are preset into the unit's memory. However, the memory may store aspecial frequency assigned to a remote Bluetooth device, and thisfrequency can be used to carry audio/video (generally ‘media’) sent fromthe Bluetooth device and transmit it down the wired feed to the headunit. This allows tracks saved on the Bluetooth device also to be playedvia the head unit.

Similarly, the second embodiment includes a cellular communicationsmodule for wireless internet connectivity, which receives power from anon-board renewable energy source which charges an internal battery.

Aspects of the first and second embodiments can be combined, e.g. withthe preset channel memory in the second embodiment also being providedin the first embodiment. Both embodiments can be provided in a series ofproduct options. Both embodiments can also utilise geographicpositioning means, e.g. data from a GPS receiver, to identify dead zones(areas of weak or no signal) where all or certain DAB channels cannot bereceived, or the signal level is low, and to report the positions to anexternal system. The GPS positioning data can come from a portabledevice such as a mobile telephone or similar mobile terminal.

The first embodiment will now be described in detail.

Referring to FIG. 1(a), a self-contained DAB and FM aerial unit(hereafter “aerial unit”) 1 is shown in relation to a vehicle's existinginfrastructure. This existing infrastructure comprises an aerial base 3connected to a car roof 5 by a rubber gasket 7. A wire feed 9 connectsthe base 3 to the FM input of the car's head unit 11 which comprises thefacia, controls and electronics for demodulating, amplifying andoutputting an analogue signal. The head unit 1 is powered by the car's12 v battery and audio is output to speakers 15. All this isconventional and so further explanation is not required.

The aerial unit 1 comprises a receiver module 19, a whip antenna 21 anda threaded bolt 17 connected to the receiver module 19.

The threaded bolt 17 connects to the socket in the base 3, providing ananalogue output signal from the receiver module 19. The receiver module19 itself is connected in this case to the whip antenna 21 (although anytype of DAB compatible or capable antenna can be used) and circuitrywithin the receiver module is powered by stored energy harvested from arenewable energy source, in this case generated by a wind turbine 23internal to the unit 1. Alternatively or additionally, solar cell(s) maybe mounted on or around the unit. Visible in FIG. 1 is one of a pair ofgrilles which enable ingress and egress of air as the car moves. A microUSB socket 20 is provided as another source of power to an internalbattery of the unit 1 and also for the transfer of data, if required.

FIG. 1(b) shows an alternative aerial unit 50 comprising a receivermodule 51 having a base 52 for connection to the wired feed on thevehicle roof, an upper connector 53 for connection to an antenna, andfront and rear grilles 54, 55 between which is positioned a verticallymounted wind turbine 60, although it is possible that the orientationmay be off-vertical. The function and internal circuitry is consideredlargely identical to that shown in FIG. 1(a). A Bluetooth pairing button56 is provided on the body exterior, covered by a bung or plug forwaterproofing and/or dust protection, the role of which will beexplained below. This button 56 may also serve as a power-on button,e.g. if held down it turns the unit 50 on, although the unit 50 may alsobe configured to be turned on automatically upon detecting when thevehicle ignition is turned on and/or if the vehicle is moving. Amicro-USB socket 57 is provided as another source of power to aninternal battery and also for the transfer of data, if required.

In the aerial units 1, 50 the whip antenna 21 is shown permanently fixedto the receiver module 19, 51 as part of the unit but it can beremovable by means of a bolt that secures to a top socket of thereceiver module. The bolt (not visible in the Figure) will besubstantially identical in dimensions to the bolt 18 on the base. In thecase of the latter, the receiver module 19, 51 act as an intermediatemodule and all the user needs to do is unscrew the existing antenna 21from the vehicle roof, connect the receiver module 19, 51 in its place,and then screw the antenna to the top. For ease of explanation, however,we will assume that the whip antenna 21 is permanently fixed to thereceiver module 19, 51 in the following.

Any of the antennae disclosed herein could be a passive or powered(amplified) antenna, if sufficient power is available.

Referring now to FIG. 2, components of the receiver module 19, 51comprise a baseband processor 23 which is connected to a RF tuner 25, adigital to analogue convertor (DAC) 27 and to a Bluetooth module 29. Thebaseband processor 23 can be of any suitable form, including one orplural microcontrollers or microprocessors. Although not shown. RAM andexternal flash memory may also be connected to the baseband processor 23to enable operation thereof. The baseband processor 23, RF tuner 25 andDAC 27 can be provided by a conventional off-the-shelf package, such asFrontier Silicon's Verona™ module. The Bluetooth module 29 can be anoff-the-shelf CSR™ Bluetooth module. The baseband processor 23, RF tuner25, DAC 27 and Bluetooth module 29 are collectively powered by a lithiumion 800 mA battery 31 which is charged by the aforementioned windturbine 23.

The RF tuner 25 is both a DAB and FM tuner, although separate units canbe used. It is connected to the whip antenna indicated by referencenumeral 21.

Software or firmware is provided on the baseband processor 23 (oralternatively on a separate processor) to control the operation of thereceiver module 19, 51 as will be explained below. Control of thereceiver module 19, 51 is in this embodiment by means of a wirelessterminal, likely to be a terminal such as smartphone or tablet 39, butit can be any portable communications device with a display screen anduser inputs.

The receiver module 19, 51 also comprises a 3G/4G cellularcommunications module 80 which draws power from the battery 31 which ischarged by the wind turbine 23. The antenna associated with this module80 can be combined with the whip antenna 21 or a separate antenna can beprovided. This module 80 is largely conventional in that it includes amodem of the bidirectional transfer of data wirelessly using cellularcommunications, enabling computer devices in-range of the module,particularly those inside the car, to access the Internet. The internalfixed computer system of the vehicle may itself communicate using thisconnection. The cellular communications module 80 may require a SIM card81 or the like provided by a cellular service provider, which may beinserted into a suitable SIM or SD card slot of the module.

The cellular communications module 80 permits a wireless internetconnection to be provided without the need for a connection to thevehicle's battery, as is conventional. This also makes retro-fittingvery convenient and is environmentally-friendly.

Referring to FIG. 3, a first method of operation of the FIG. 2components will be described in association with other components.

Step 3.1 indicates the start condition, e.g. when the car is firststarted. In step 3.2 the receiver unit 19 attempts to pair with anin-range Bluetooth device 39, i.e. the tablet in FIG. 2. The pairing canbe an existing one that therefore occurs automatically, or a new onewhere the pairing has to be set-up. If the tablet 39 is not in-range orcannot be found (e.g. because it is switched off) then in step 3.3. thereceiver unit 19 simply acts as a FM feed-through and in step 3.4 passesanalogue FM signals down the wire feed 9 to the head unit 11. If in step3.3. a paired connection is identified, then the RF tuner 25 isconfigured to scan available DAB (and FM) channels. In step 3.6radiotext (or Dynamic Label Segment—DLS) data identifying the channelname, song titles, music type, images etc. is transmitted to the tablet39 using Bluetooth. At the tablet 39 a dedicated “Application” is usedto display this information in a form of Electronic Programme Guide(EPG) which can be selected using, e.g. touch gestures.

In step 3.8, a channel selection effected by the user on the tablet 39app causes a selection signal to be sent back to the receiver module 19,51 over Bluetooth. When received at step 3.9 the selected channel isreceived, decoded and transmitted over an available FM frequency downthe wire feed 9 as an analogue signal for output by the head unit 11 inthe conventional way, i.e. at step 3.11.

FIG. 4 shows an alternative method of operation, which is different inthat audio tracks stored on the tablet 39 are also scanned for (in step4.6) and in step 4.7 both the track information and the DAB DLSinformation is transmitted to the tablet 39 for selection. The user istherefore presented with more options for playback through the App EPG.Otherwise, the operation is the same as that shown in FIG. 3.

If at any point in the operation the DAB signal is lost, the receivermodule 19, 51 will revert to FM operation.

The choice of FM frequency over which to send DAB channels or tracksdown the wire feed 9 can be done manually. In some embodiments, thereceiver module 19, 51 is configured to automatically locate a freefrequency in the conventional manner. This can be performedperiodically.

An additional step may be incorporated into the methods shown in FIGS. 3and 4 which is to transmit a brand name associated with the productalong with the FM signal as Radio Data System (RDS) information fordisplay at the head unit 11.

The wind turbine 23 may be mounted horizontally, or substantiallyhorizontally, within the body of the receiver unit 19 so that it rotatesabout a vertical axis. This enables energy generation as the car movesforwards. It is estimated that the battery will provide 10 to 12 hoursof continual usage when the car is stationary following a non-trivialperiod of driving. The FIG. 1(b) embodiment employs a vertically-mountedwind turbine 60. In both cases, the position of the turbine 23, 60relative to the vehicle can be adjusted, e.g. by a hinge or ball joint,in one or more dimensions.

It will therefore be appreciated that the receiver module 19, 51provides an elegant solution to providing a wireless Internetconnection, and also a DAB service to any vehicle by utilising itsexisting wired feed 9 from aerial connector to head unit 11. Theprovision of the in-built power generator(s) removes the requirement forthe unit 19, 51 to be connected to the battery, e.g. using the lightersocket or a direct connection to the loom, and lowers the carbonfootprint by using a renewable source. The local, personal area network(PAN) provided by the cellular communications module 80 and Bluetoothmodule 29 removes the need for a dedicated control unit. No specialisttechnical expertise is necessary to retro-fit the module 19, 51.

A second embodiment is shown in FIG. 5. In this case, the receivermodule 19, 51 is identical to that of the first embodiment, but there isalso provided a preset memory 70 which stores within it data assignmentsbetween each of a plurality of different FM radio frequencies and a DABchannel. FIG. 6 indicates schematically example assignments in which sixFM frequencies are shown. Against five of these frequencies are assigneda respective DAB channel and its FM equivalent as backup should the DABchannel fail. This assignment is preferably performed using a specialapplication program stored on an external computer, e.g. the PC 80indicated in FIG. 6. Alternatively, a Bluetooth device such as the smartterminal (e.g. tablet) 39 can be used to set the assignment, using adedicated “App”. The use of WiFi can be employed to set the assignmentwithout the need to disconnect the receiver module 19, 51 from thevehicle, if the module has a suitable communications module provided.The user can communicate with the module 19, 51 when the vehicle isclose-by, in the driveway for example, and set the assignment using thesmart terminal 39 or PC 80.

In use, the user will remove the module 19, 51 from the vehicle, andconnect it using the micro-USB port 20, 57 to the PC 80. The userselects via a Graphical User Interface (GUI) which five DAB stationsfrom a presented menu are to be allocated to each distinct frequency.When the user has finished, the receiver module 19, 51 is synchronisedto the application program and the assignments are stored on the memory70 as in FIG. 6.

Because the module 19, 51 has data connectivity, through the cellularcommunications module 80, then the synchronisation may be performedwirelessly.

In use, when the receiver module 19, 51 is re-connected to the vehicleand so to the wired feed 9 and to the head unit 11, each of the fivedigital channels is received, decoded and simultaneously transmitted tothe head unit over the distinct, respective FM frequencies. Thus, onlythese five FM frequencies will be available at the head unit 11 andscanning the head unit across the FM spectrum in the normal way (whethera manual or auto scan) will detect them to allow output of theassociated DAB channel. In practise, a user will likely assign thefrequencies to respective preset buttons on the head unit 11.

It will be appreciated that in this second embodiment, the use of theBluetooth module 29 for displaying and selecting a DAB channel is notnecessary; rather five DAB channels are preset into the module 19.

Having said that, the sixth FM frequency shown in FIG. 6 is a specialfrequency that is associated with the Bluetooth module 29. Any datareceived by the Bluetooth module 29, e.g. a track sent from the user'stablet 39, is transmitted down the wired feed 9 over this sixth FMfrequency simultaneously with the five DAB channels for selective outputat the head unit 11.

The application program for setting up and synchronising the presetmemory 70 may be associated with a user account with a remote server. Inthis way, user preferences can be stored in association with theaccount. As is conventional, initially, the user will need to set up theaccount, including inputting an ID associated with their module 29hardware, as well as a username and password.

Certain other features which are applicable to the first and secondembodiments will now be described.

In some embodiments, there is provided the ability to identify thegeographic location of the receiver module 19, 51 and to use thelocation when no DAB channels are available (i.e. because the car is ina dead zone), or certain DAB channels are unavailable, to provide to acentral server or database the location information. In a refinement,DAB signal strength can be recorded and uploaded to the server toprovide an overall picture. In this way, the central server can maintainan up-to-date picture or map of DAB service quality based on a regularupdate stream from potentially very many mobile units.

The geographic location may be obtained by a GPS receiver provided inthe receiver module 19, 51 or perhaps within the smart terminal (e.g.tablet) 39. Cellular triangulation may be used as an alternative orbackup source of location information. In operation the receiver module19, 51 identifies when no DAB signal or channel(s) is or are received(or signal strength information) and at that time causes the currentlocation to be recorded. Where the location is determined on thereceiver module 19, 51 it can be stored locally and/or passed to thetablet 39 for subsequent uploading to the central server. Where thelocation is determined on the tablet 39, it simply stores the locationwhen the received DAB channels received over the Bluetooth link dropout. The locations are subsequently uploaded to the central server.

Uploading to the central server can be by means of any data channel whenavailable. For example, the cellular communications module 80 offers astraightforward way of passing the information onwards wirelessly overthe Internet.

In some embodiments, software within the receiver module 19, 51 isconfigured to detect and store different routes or journeys, as well asdead zone information along the route or journey. In the event that theprogress of a stored journey is detected as being taken by the vehiclesubsequently, then the software is configured to predict approachingdead zones and thereby switch to the FM equivalent in advance of vehicleentering the dead zone. Subsequently, when the dead zone is exitedaccording to the stored information, the DAB station is returned to.

An alternative or additional method is through docking the tablet 39 toa home computer.

In some embodiments, the receiver module 19, 51 is configuredautomatically to switch on and/or pair with a Bluetooth device 39 inaccordance with a signal received wirelessly from the vehicle. In thisregard, as is known, there is an on-board diagnostic port provided onmost cars referred to as OBD-II. This takes data from various sensors ofthe vehicle primarily for diagnostic purposes. It is currently possibleto purchase off-the-shelf an OBD-II Bluetooth unit which in the case ofthe first and second embodiments described, would permit the status ofthe vehicle (e.g. ignition on) to be transmitted wirelessly overBluetooth to the Bluetooth module 29 for switching the receiver module19, 51 on and/or for initiating pairing. Another option of using theOBD-II port may be to alter the volume of the signal output based onsensed engine speed, with the volume being increased automatically asthe RPM increases.

Although DAB has been given in the embodiments as an example of adigital radio system, it will be appreciated that the system and methodsare applicable to other digital radio technologies. Similarly, whilstBluetooth has been used as the local data streaming technology andprotocol, alternatives may be used. Similarly, in place of the tablet39, any portable display device having a wireless communicationsfunction enabling data exchange with the receiver module 19, 51 can beused, for example a smartphone.

A number of practical intermediate receiver modules which can be usedfor modules 19, 51 are shown in FIGS. 7 to 9. Each is an intermediateunit, meaning that the modules are secured to the existing socket on avehicle roof and the existing aerial secured to a top socket, as will beexplained.

FIGS. 7(a) and 7(b) show a first intermediate receiver module 100 whichcomprises a plastics or metallic housing having a fore surface 102 whichis a polyhedron comprising of four flat surfaces part of which are solidand part of which comprise a grille 104 into which air can be receivedin use. The flat surfaces meet at an apex point 106 within the grille104. To the rear of the housing is an aft fin 108 which projectsupwardly and backwards. Overall, the shape is found to be aerodynamic. Apair of vents 110 (only one of which can be seen in the Figures) allowthe egress of air from the internal part of the module 100. A top socket112 is a 4.5 mm socket for receiving connection of a vehicle antenna. Abottom bolt 114 is a 4.5.mm bolt for connection to a standard socket ona vehicle, connected to the existing FM feed.

FIG. 7(b) is a cross-sectional view of the receiving module 100 and itwill be seen that a wind turbine 121 is mounted within a central chamber123 which is angled generally upwards towards the rear with the centralaxis X-X at about 25 degrees to the horizontal. Air is scooped upwardlythrough the central chamber 123 and causes the wind turbine 121 to turn.The wind turbine 121 itself comprises a generator 122 with a centralrotor and plurality of blades 124 angled downwardly, transverse to X-X,so that the upwardly moving air causes them to turn. Air is exhaustedthrough the side vents.

The hardware used in the modules 19, 51, including the battery andelectronic circuitry, is securely located within one of two watertightchambers 126, 127, or can be divided between both. In this case, a lead126 carrying the electricity generated by the wind turbine 121 is shownentering the upper chamber 126 where the battery (at least) will bestored. The FM analogue signal will be connected to the bolt 114.

FIGS. 8(a)-(c) show a second intermediate receiver module 140, which issimilar to that shown in FIG. 7 but in this case comprises a generallysmooth and curved fore surface 142 and a curved aft fin 144. Otherwise,there are the same grille 148, top socket 152 and bottom bolt 154components and rear vents 149, as well as the internally-mounted turbine122 (comprising of generator 122 and blades 124) and upper and lowerwatertight chambers 160, 162 for battery, components and circuitry.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the second intermediate receiver module140 when connected to the base 160 provided on a vehicle roof, and alsowith a whip aerial 162 connected to the top socket 152.

FIGS. 10 and 11 show a still further practical example of a receivermodule 170 that may be retro-fitted to a vehicle's exterior. The module170 can be an intermediate unit or one with an integral antenna. Themodule 170 comprises an aerodynamic base 172 which houses the batterymodule, aforementioned electronic circuitry etc. A whip-type antenna 174is connected to the aft end of the base 172, extending upwardly atapproximately 45 degrees. At the front end of the base 172 is therenewable energy unit 176, which can be a wind turbine or solar panel orcombination of both. For example, the wind turbine 176 can behorizontally mounted so that it rotates efficiently about a verticalaxis as the vehicle moves forwards. The module 170 is relatively compactand its shape is conducive to efficient, aerodynamic operation. A bolt(not shown) which extends from the lower wall of the base 176 can beused (as with the other aforementioned modules) to connect the internalcircuitry to the existing socket on the vehicle which feeds to thevehicle's head unit.

FIG. 11 shows the receiver module 170 in cross-section, in which it willbe seen that an internal space 178 is provided within which the batterymodule and electronic circuitry can locate. As with other embodiments, aBluetooth pairing button, power button and socket can be provided on theexterior.

In the above embodiments, although the provision of the wirelesscommunications (3G/4G) module comprises also the provision of digital(DAB) radio receiving modules, it should be understood that, in someembodiments, only the former need be present. For example, withreference to FIG. 12, a further embodiment is shown, which is aself-contained roof-fitting unit 210 for providing mobile wirelessinternet. The unit comprises the 3G/4G module 80 and the associated SIM81 (if required). The power to module 80 comes from the rechargeablebattery 31 in association with the renewable power source 23 whichcharges it. A dedicated antenna 130 is also provided, and hence aretro-fit wireless internet solution is provided. The FM antenna 30otherwise feeds through to the bolt and, when connected to the roofsocket, is connected to the vehicle's head unit for FM reception in theknown manner. Radio and internet capability is therefore independentlyprovided through the single unit. In some embodiments, a single antennamay be used for both purposes. This principle may be achievedpractically through any of the housing units shown, and described withreference to, FIGS. 7 to 10.

In some embodiments where the aerial is built-in or integral, it will bea powered (amplified) aerial/antenna.

The term renewable energy is interchangeable and synonymous withharvested energy, being the process of deriving energy from externalsources, such as solar power, thermal energy, wind energy and kineticenergy.

It will be appreciated that the above described embodiments are purelyillustrative and are not limiting on the scope of the invention. Othervariations and modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in theart upon reading the present application.

Moreover, the disclosure of the present application should be understoodto include any novel features or any novel combination of featureseither explicitly or implicitly disclosed herein or any generalizationthereof and during the prosecution of the present application or of anyapplication derived therefrom, new claims may be formulated to cover anysuch features and/or combination of such features.

1. A vehicle communications module comprising: a connector for attachingthe module to an external part of the vehicle exterior, a cellularcommunications module providing wireless Internet data connectivity, anda renewable energy source configured to provide power to the cellularcommunications module when mounted to the vehicle exterior.
 2. Themodule according to claim 1, wherein the connector is configured to beattached to the existing aerial connector on a vehicle exterior.
 3. Themodule according to claim 2, wherein the connector comprises a boltextending from a bottom of said module, and which is dimensioned andarranged to locate within an existing antenna connector socket locatedexternally on a vehicle, for interconnecting the internal circuitry ofthe module and the existing wired feed.
 4. The module according to claim1, wherein the renewable energy source comprises a wind turbine.
 5. Themodule according to claim 1, wherein the renewable energy sourcecomprises a solar cell.
 6. The module according to claim 1, wherein thecellular communications module is configured to be initiatedautomatically upon detecting a predetermined signal issued by thevehicle over a wireless channel.
 7. The module according to claim 1,further comprising a non-cellular wireless communications module,configured to communicate with a remote terminal.
 8. The moduleaccording to claim 1, further comprising a Digital Audio Broadcasting(DAB) receiver connected to an onboard antenna for receiving anddecoding DAB channels and transmitting said channels using an analoguefrequency down a wired feed to an internal head unit of the vehicle. 9.A self-contained antenna module for attachment to a vehicle exterior,comprising: a connector for removable attachment to an existing wiredfeed connector to an entertainment head unit, a cellular communicationsmodule configured to provide a local wireless internet access point, anda renewable energy source generating independently of the vehicle's ownpower source electrical energy for charging an on-board battery, whichprovides power to the cellular communications module.
 10. Aself-contained antenna module for retro-fit attachment to a vehicleexterior, comprising: a casing; a connector projecting from a lower wallof the casing for removable attachment to an existing connector on avehicle exterior which feeds to an entertainment head unit, within thecasing, a cellular communications module configured to provide a localwireless internet access point, and a rechargeable battery for providingpower to the cellular communications module; and a renewable energysource for generating independently of the vehicle's own power sourceelectrical energy for charging said battery.
 11. The module according toclaim 10, further comprising an antenna connected to the connector forthe reception of radio signals which are fed to the entertainment headunit in use.
 12. The module according to claim 10, wherein the renewableenergy source comprises a wind turbine partially or entirely housedwithin the casing, at a front thereof.
 13. The module according to claim12, wherein the wind turbine is substantially horizontally mounted, soas to rotate in use about a substantially vertical axis.
 14. The moduleaccording to claim 12, wherein the wind turbine is mounted within agenerally arcuate opening in the front surface of the casing. 15.(canceled)